10 reasons the 49ers will win the Super Bowl

January 30, 2013 6:15 PM

Photo: Brant Ward/The Chronicle

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10. Randy Moss

He put a lot of pressure on himself by saying he was the best wide receiver to ever play. Moss may have forgotten that the 49ers once featured Jerry Rice. Maybe it was Moss’ way of getting himself fired up for the game. Moss has the experience to play well, and now he has the self-imposed motivation. less

10. Randy Moss

He put a lot of pressure on himself by saying he was the best wide receiver to ever play. Moss may have forgotten that the 49ers once featured Jerry Rice. Maybe it was Moss’ way of getting ... more

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

10. Randy Moss He put a lot of pressure on himself by saying he... Photo-4112201.55954 - SFGate

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9. Health

The Ravens went through a significant string of injuries on defense, but now they have most of their players back. The 49ers are healthier too, particularly with defensive end Justin Smith. He reportedly will need surgery in the offseason, to re-attach his triceps tendon. However, he is much more comfortable playing with his elbow brace and he bench pressed over 400 pounds last week in the 49ers weight room according to teammates. less

9. Health

The Ravens went through a significant string of injuries on defense, but now they have most of their players back. The 49ers are healthier too, particularly with defensive end Justin Smith. He ... more

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

9. Health The Ravens went through a significant string of... Photo-4112209.55954 - SFGate

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8. Talent

The 49ers, particularly on defense, are better. It sounds strange because the Ravens have three potential Hall of Famers in defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, Lewis at linebacker and Ed Reed at safety. But the 49ers have six Pro Bowl players in their defense. They are younger and their talent might have to show through on Sunday. less

8. Talent

The 49ers, particularly on defense, are better. It sounds strange because the Ravens have three potential Hall of Famers in defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, Lewis at linebacker and Ed Reed at safety. But ... more

Even if the 49ers’ run game is stifled, they still have the opportunity to hit plays deep. Kaepernick is the best passer in the league in hitting plays that travel more than 21 yards in the air. One wrinkle to look for is Kaepernick faking the handoff out of the pistol and throwing the ball deep. less

7. The deep ball

Even if the 49ers’ run game is stifled, they still have the opportunity to hit plays deep. Kaepernick is the best passer in the league in hitting plays that travel more than 21 yards in the ... more

Photo: David Goldman, Associated Press

7. The deep ball Even if the 49ers’ run game is stifled, they... Photo-4112211.55954 - SFGate

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6. Versatility

The 49ers run more plays in practice than possibly any other team. Safety Donte Whitner believes the 49ers run twice as many plays as a standard team. It means the 49ers approach any game with a lot of scheme. It also means the 49ers have the capacity to switch their entire game plan if necessary. less

6. Versatility

The 49ers run more plays in practice than possibly any other team. Safety Donte Whitner believes the 49ers run twice as many plays as a standard team. It means the 49ers approach any game with a ... more

Photo: Mark Humphrey, Associated Press

6. Versatility The 49ers run more plays in practice than possibly... Photo-4112212.55954 - SFGate

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5. Offensive line play

Everyone is saying, including former 49ers coach Steve Mariucci, that the 49ers have the best offensive line in the league. The Ravens had trouble stopping the run this year, but that was mainly due to the absence of linebacker Ray Lewis. When he returned, the Ravens were much better against the run. Nevertheless, the 49ers’ line is so good, they have the potential to maul the Ravens, which would prompt them to bring a safety in the box to help stop the run. If that happens, the 49ers’ passing game could open up. less

5. Offensive line play

Everyone is saying, including former 49ers coach Steve Mariucci, that the 49ers have the best offensive line in the league. The Ravens had trouble stopping the run this year, but that was ... more

Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press

5. Offensive line play Everyone is saying, including former 49ers... Photo-4112213.55954 - SFGate

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4. Quarterback mobility

When the 49ers lost in Baltimore on Thanksgiving Night last year, they did so mainly because Alex Smith had no time to pass. He was sacked nine times. With Colin Kaepernick being far more mobile, that’s unlikely to happen again because Kaepernick can get out of trouble. Ask the Packers. less

4. Quarterback mobility

When the 49ers lost in Baltimore on Thanksgiving Night last year, they did so mainly because Alex Smith had no time to pass. He was sacked nine times. With Colin Kaepernick being far more ... more

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

4. Quarterback mobility When the 49ers lost in Baltimore on... Photo-4112214.55954 - SFGate

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3. Focus

When the Ravens came off the plane in New Orleans, half the players were filming the moment on smart phones and camcorders. When the 49ers deplaned, none of the players did that. Running back Frank Gore was asked on Tuesday how he liked New Orleans. He said he hadn’t left the hotel yet. The 49ers seem more locked in to the task than the Ravens. less

3. Focus

When the Ravens came off the plane in New Orleans, half the players were filming the moment on smart phones and camcorders. When the 49ers deplaned, none of the players did that. Running back Frank Gore ... more

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

3. Focus When the Ravens came off the plane in New Orleans, half... Photo-4112215.55954 - SFGate

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2. The pistol offense

The 49ers used the pistol 33 times in the drubbing of Green Bay. Then they used it in key situations against the Falcons in the red zone. Two of the 49ers’ four touchdowns came out of pistol formations. The scheme is completely different than what most NFL defenses are used to, and nobody runs it better than Kaepernick and the 49ers. less

2. The pistol offense

The 49ers used the pistol 33 times in the drubbing of Green Bay. Then they used it in key situations against the Falcons in the red zone. Two of the 49ers’ four touchdowns came out of ... more

Photo: David Goldman, Associated Press

2. The pistol offense The 49ers used the pistol 33 times in the... Photo-4112216.55954 - SFGate

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1. Colin Kaepernick

The playoffs have proved that the 49ers’ new starting quarterback has the composure, focus, and most of all the talent to win a big game. Against the Packers, his 181 yards rushing set a record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game. But he might have been more impressive against Atlanta. Forced to stay in the pocket, Kaepernick only threw three errant passes, while completing 16 of 21 of his throws for 233 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. less

1. Colin Kaepernick

The playoffs have proved that the 49ers’ new starting quarterback has the composure, focus, and most of all the talent to win a big game. Against the Packers, his 181 yards rushing set a ... more